Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health
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On this podcast, you’ll hear engaging, informative conversations with leading LifeStance Health professionals that will help guide you on your journey to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

  1. 4 days ago

    The Mental Health Cost of Family Estrangement

    Family estrangement is more common than many people realize, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and isolating experiences individuals and families can face. In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance therapist Kara Guevara and her patient Ken to explore the emotional impact of losing contact with a family member and the complex grief that often follows. Together, they discuss the difference between a strained relationship and estrangement, common reasons families become disconnected, and why these experiences can leave people feeling unheard and alone. Ken shares his personal journey through estrangement and the challenges of coping with loss, while Kara offers clinical insight into acceptance, grief, boundaries, and finding meaningful support during difficult times. Whether you're navigating estrangement yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding ofthis often-overlooked topic, this conversation offers compassion, perspective and hope.

  2. 5 days ago

    If Taylor Swift Were in Therapy: An Art Therapist's Perspective

    What might therapy look like for someone who has spent most of their life in the public eye? We are joined by Sharyn Koch, a licensed professional clinical counselor and art therapist, for a thoughtful conversation about fame, identity, resilience, and self-expression. Using Taylor Swift as a cultural case study, we discuss the healing power of creative outlets, the challenges of navigating public criticism, and how art, music, and storytelling can help people process difficult experiences.   Sharyn also shares several art therapy exercises that encourage reflection on support systems, emotional authenticity, self-care, and personal boundaries.

  3. 3 Jul

    Understanding Trauma through Connection and Curiosity

    Sabrena Ness joins us for a thoughtful conversation on the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) and what it reveals about developmental trauma. We explore how our earliest experiences quietly shape the ways we show up in relationships, navigate emotions, and understand ourselves. Sabrena offers a refreshing shift in perspective—moving away from “fixing” behaviors and toward approaching them with curiosity and compassion. Along the way, we unpack key ideas like connection versus disconnection, adaptive survival styles, and why many of our patterns are protective responses rather than personal shortcomings. Whether you’re exploring trauma-informed care for the first time or reflecting on your own experiences, this episode offers an engaging, human-centered perspective that meets you where you are.

  4. 24 Jun

    What It Really Means to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally

    As we recognize Pride month, Tennessee-based therapist Jerry Lawson joins us to explore what it truly means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical perspective, Jerry shares how connection, empathy, and presence can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Together, we discuss why allyship matters, the real impact of loneliness and exclusion, and how small actions—like using correct pronouns, offering support, and speaking up against intolerance—can help foster a sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how allyship doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures, but rather consistency, respect, and a willingness to learn.

  5. 22 Jun

    Finding Healing Through EMDR

    In this episode of Convos from the Couch, Toi Valentine, Chief Strategy Officer at LifeStance Health, explores her personal experience with EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. Together, we unpack how EMDR works, what it feels like, and why it can be an impactful option for people navigating trauma, grief, and PTSD.  Toi shares her journey and reflects on how EMDR helped her process difficult memories in a new way, shift her emotional responses, and regain a sense of control. Along the way, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in therapy, finding the right approach, and staying curious about evidence-based care.

  6. 10 Jun

    Building Connection with Patients in Mental Health

    In this episode of Convos from the Couch, we are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Lin Lu, who shares her deeply human approach to building meaningful connections in mental health care.   Dr. Lu reflects on her journey from studying medicine and neuroscience to becoming a psychiatrist, shaped by her desire to connect with people on a deeper level. She introduces her philosophy of seeing patients not just as patients, but as people and explains how trust, empathy, and mutual respect form the foundation of effective care.    The conversation also explores how we view mental health conditions. Dr. Lu offers a refreshing perspective by highlighting the strengths that can exist alongside challenges—such as humility in social anxiety, passion and compassion in bipolar disorder, and authenticity in autism. Through real stories and thoughtful insights, she encourages a shift away from stigma and toward understanding.

  7. 9 Jun

    How Clothing Shapes Confidence and Mood

    With excitement building around the latest sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, conversations about fashion are once again taking center stage—but style is about much more than trends and designer labels. In this insightful conversation, Victoria Faynberg explores a surprising yet powerful connection: the link between what we wear and how we feel. Together, they dive into the psychology of clothing choices, including the fascinating concept of enclothed cognition—the idea that our outfits can influence confidence, focus, and emotional well-being. Victoria brings the discussion into everyday life, showing how getting dressed can become an intentional act of self-care that supports both mindset and mental wellness. One of the biggest takeaways? Don’t dress for the day you’re having—dress for the day you want to create. Whether you're navigating stress, building confidence, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation offers practical insights into how small choices—starting with what's in your closet—can help shape your experience of the day ahead.

  8. 9 Jun

    Beyond the Mirror: Understanding Body Dysmorphia in Men

    As we recognize Men's Mental Health month, we chat with therapist Aaron Peska to explore a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough—body dysmorphia in men. Together, we unpack how social pressures, evolving life stages, and internal expectations can shape the way men see their bodies and themselves.   Aaron shares both professional insight and personal perspective, offering a grounded explanation of what body dysmorphia can look like—from obsessive thoughts about appearance to the impact of social media and comparisons.   The conversation highlights common triggers, including life transitions, relationships, and workplace visibility, and how these influences can affect confidence and self-worth.   Listeners will also hear practical, compassionate strategies for navigating these challenges, including mindfulness techniques, shifting fitness goals, and building a healthier relationship with self-image.

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On this podcast, you’ll hear engaging, informative conversations with leading LifeStance Health professionals that will help guide you on your journey to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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